Value-Based Care Newsletter Issue 19

VALUE-BASED CARE NEWSLETTER

August 2023 | Issue 19

Our Value-Based Care Newsletter is filled with pertinent information and exciting news. Throughout the year, we will publish updates and alerts, share educational content, and host informative meetings and events. We look forward to working with all of you and welcome your feedback.

VBC CHAMPION

Congratulations to our Round Two Value Base Care Champion, Beata Wilk-Minetti!

Beata is part of SMG Lake Hopatcong's DNA. Throughout her 23 years of service there, her dedication and work ethic have never faltered. Her attention to detail and tenacity reflect in her work. She goes above and beyond to track down reports to satisfy measures, reminds patients of tests/exams they are due for, efficiently analyzes all labs/test results — all without missing a beat and with a smile on her face! Beata loves what she does and she is great at what she does!

Beata is our $50 Visa Gift Card!

Please stay tuned for our next opportunity to nominate someone in your office later this year.

TIE INTO DIABETIC EYE CARE EXAMS

As we enter National Eye Exam Month, it is essential to highlight the significance of regular eye examinations and, more importantly, emphasize the crucial role they play in ensuring the eye health of diabetic patients. This month-long observance presents an ideal opportunity for healthcare providers to educate their patients about the importance of preventive eye care and the potential risks associated with diabetes-related eye complications. National Eye Exam Month serves as a reminder that comprehensive eye exams are not just for those with vision issues. Rather, they are a vital aspect of overall health and can aid in the early detection and management of various ocular conditions. For diabetic patients, these eye exams are an absolute necessity as diabetes can significantly impact the eyes and vision. Eye Exam For patients with Diabetes (EED) is a quality care metric in many Value-Based Care programs as well.

Diabetic eye care exams, specifically, are fundamental in monitoring and safeguarding against diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication that affects a significant number of individuals with diabetes. Early detection and timely intervention can help slow down the progression of the disease and preserve a patient's sight. This is why we must work diligently to ensure that every diabetic patient receives their recommended eye care exams. As healthcare providers, we must take the lead in advocating for the diabetic population's ocular health. Here are some essential steps to promote diabetic eye care:

Raise Awareness: Use National Eye Exam Month as a platform to raise awareness among patients about the importance of diabetic eye care exams. Utilize waiting room materials, social media, and other channels to disseminate information and encourage patients to schedule their appointments.

Patient Education: During regular check-ups or consultations, take the time to educate diabetic patients about the risks of diabetic retinopathy and the necessity of eye exams. Empower them to be proactive in managing their eye health.

Collaboration: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians and endocrinologists, to ensure that diabetic patients are regularly reminded of the need for eye exams.

Accessibility: Make eye care services easily accessible to patients by providing flexible scheduling, telemedicine options, and addressing any financial concerns they may have.

Continual Follow-up: Keep track of diabetic patients' eye exam schedules and follow up with them as needed to ensure they are keeping up with their recommended appointments.

Empathy and Support: Recognize that diabetic patients may be apprehensive about their eye health, so offer emotional support and reassurance during the examination process.

Remember, diabetic eye care is not solely about preserving vision; it is about enhancing the overall quality of life for patients with diabetes. By taking an active role in promoting National Eye Exam Month and emphasizing diabetic eye care, healthcare providers can help protect their patients' eyesight and contribute to their long-term well-being. Let us work together to empower our diabetic patients to prioritize their eye health and ensure they receive the eye care they need and deserve. Wishing you a successful National Eye Exam Month and continued dedication to providing exceptional patient care. Please see below for tips on how to close Eye Exam For patients with Diabetes (EED) care metrics:

As we commemorate National Immunization Month, it is time to reflect on the crucial role vaccines play in safeguarding public health. Some of the vital immunizations are flu shots, pediatric immunizations, and adolescent immunizations. Thanks to widespread vaccination efforts, we have witnessed substantial declines in once-feared illnesses, such as polio, measles, and whooping cough. Vaccination education plays a crucial role in empowering patients and promoting public health. Immunization has undoubtedly been one of the most successful public health interventions in history, eradicating or significantly reducing the prevalence of deadly diseases. Pediatric & Adolescent Immunization care metrics are also in many Value-Based Care programs.

As healthcare providers, we have a unique opportunity to inform and engage our patients about the importance of vaccinations, dispel myths and misinformation, and foster a culture of proactive health protection. Here are some steps for effective vaccination education:

Open Dialogue: Encourage patients and caregivers to ask questions and express their concerns about vaccinations. Be receptive and provide clear and accurate information.

Utilize Reliable Resources: Direct patients and caregivers to reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), for reliable and up-to-date information.

Address Misinformation: Be prepared to address common misconceptions about vaccines and provide evidence-based explanations to counter misinformation.

Personalize Recommendations: Tailor vaccination recommendations to individual patients based on their medical history, age, lifestyle, and travel plans.

Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals: Work collaboratively with nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure consistent vaccination messaging and education.

As healthcare providers, you play a vital role in promoting and administering these immunizations. By educating parents and caregivers about the benefits of Immunizations, we can help protect the health and well-being of our patients and contribute to a healthier future for all. Together, let us celebrate National Immunization Month by championing pediatric vaccinations and ensuring that every child receives the protection they deserve.

Here are some Pediatric & Adolescent Immunization care metrics tips:

IMMUNIZATIONS FOR ADOLESCENTS

CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION STATUS

NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK

2023 THEME: A ROADMAP TO A STRONGER AMERICA

This August 6-12, 2023, is National Health Center Week. This week-long observance provides a wonderful opportunity to recognize and appreciate the incredible contributions made by health centers in improving the well-being of our patients. National Health Center Week serves as a reminder of the critical services our health center provides to patients from all walks of life. From preventive care to chronic disease management, we remain committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and patient-centered healthcare services to our diverse community.

Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, they offer support and love. In moments of triumph, they offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory.

Celebrate the uniqueness of your community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to providing exceptional Value-Based healthcare services to our patients!

HEALTH CARE HEROES VIOLENCE PROTECTION ACT NJ

Due to the rise of violent attacks occurring to healthcare workers, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has passed the Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act. This piece of legislation created safeguards to protect healthcare workers.

THE MAIN TAKE AWAYS FROM THIS ACT ARE:

Those who threatened a health care worker as well as any volunteer or employee of a health care professional will automatically be charged with a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Those convicted of assaulting a health care worker as well as any volunteer or employee of a health care professional will have to take an anger management course for up to 12 months and complete up to 30 days of community service in addition to any prison term or fine imposed on them by a judge.

Health care facilities and certain physicians will be required to display a written notice to notify the public that it is a crime to assault health care workers and volunteers, and is subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

The Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act reflects the recognition and appreciation of the essential work performed by healthcare professionals and acknowledges the need to safeguard their well-being. By supporting the Act's implementation and adhering to its provisions, we can contribute to creating an environment where healthcare professionals can focus on providing exceptional patient care without fear of violence.